Current Messages to Health Care Providers

Testing, Reporting and Management

Clinicians should consider influenza in the differential diagnosis of febrile respiratory illnesses in patients of any age, encourage all their patients and particularly their high risk patients to be immunized against influenza if they have not already done so, and review updated recommendations of the use of antiviral medications for influenza prophylaxis and treatment.

Oseltamivir and zanamivir are the two drugs currently recommended for treatment and prophylaxis. Providers will be notified through the health alert network if national recommendations for treatment and prophylaxis are revised.

Infection preventionists, clinicians, school nurses and other reporting entities must report all suspected outbreaks of influenza to Maine CDC by phone at 1-800-821-5821 or by e- mail at disease.reporting@maine.gov.

The best way to prevent influenza is by getting vaccinated. Influenza vaccine is in Maine, and Maine CDC and national authorities recommend all individuals older than 6 months be immunized, even if they were vaccinated for influenza last season. All individuals with high risk conditions should be vaccinated as soon as possible.

As we enter the influenza season, it is important to remember the "No Flu 4 You" guidelines to help prevent illness including: Washing your hands; covering your cough; staying home when you're sick; and getting vaccinated.